Avoiding the Trap of Becoming Distant

On Fridays, I join the Five Minute Friday link-up.  It is a good challenge – mentally and with my writing.  Writing without overthinking and without (too much) editing.  (The idea of zero editing is way too much for me.)  Sometimes, it is good to process thoughts and ideas without the overthinking that comes so naturally to me.  All that to say, I will not be posting next Friday.  If you read yesterday’s post – what is “currently” happening around here – you know we are going away for a few days.  I will, however, post on Tuesday and Thursday…so check back in.  But, for this week, today’s prompt is DISTANT.

GO – Virginia is full of history.  Living in Northern Virginia, I am surrounded by reminders of our country’s past.  So much of our country’s rich history took place on the fields and in the towns right in my backyard.  It’s always interesting to come across someone who claims to trace their family heritage to historical figures from this area.  It doesn’t happen nearly as often because so few folks are actually native to this area anymore, but there are those who are distant relatives to famous preachers, presidents, lawmakers or other influential men from the past.  Distant relative – as in a “far removed ancestor or descendant.”

However, another definition of distant is “coldness of affection, reserved or indifferent.”  And, while I’m pretty sure I do not have any distant relatives of note, I could have to confess that I too often fight becoming distant.  Pulling away, creating barriers and wrapping myself in a protective shell of indifference.  It can easily be a defensive mechanism for me – a reaction to many different emotions and situations but all with the same effect.  Making myself distant.

But God has created us with a genuine need for fellowship and for community.  It is mentioned often in the Bible…the greek word for it being koinonia, which means “Christian fellowship or communion.”  This communion can be found in friendships, small groups and with our church families as a whole.  It is being united and serving together.  We need it, in all forms, to encourage us, to help us persevere, to strengthen our faith and to cheer us.

STOP – Of course, it is not “a coincidence” that the devil lures me pull inside myself – to make myself distant – when I am feeling overwhelmed, insecure, depressed or a host of other things.  He knows I am more likely to stay defeated if I am alone and without my community.  When the struggle is real…..that is when I need to reach out.  As an introvert, time alone can be valuable but there is a huge difference in some solitude to recharge and creating distance.

If you have that special, like-minded community, be grateful.  And be involved.  Be the encourager.  Offer the fellowship and spur the others on to love and good works.  Don’t overlook the gift that is yours in koinonia.  If you are feeling alone, seek out the community.  Call a friend.  Find your church.  Don’t allow yourself to remain distant.